Apt / Cavaillon

In Apt, the Luberon’s capital, do taste the local speciality, energy-packed, renowned fruits confits (candied fruit) that have largely contributed to the town’s accreditation as a Site Remarquable du Goût (a French award for places combining culinary and tourist attractions). Leaving Apt, be it on an ordinary bike or on an electric one, the route takes you along quiet little country roads through the heart of perched villages. In Bonnieux, from the Belvédère Lou Badareù, it’s easy to see, laid out below you, the cycle route you’ll be following, going via the villages of Oppède-le-Vieux and Lacoste, their château ruins bearing witness to their rich medieval past. At unmissable Ménerbes, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, enjoy a sunny pause, soaking up the gentle Provençal atmosphere. Then relish tastings at the wineries and olive oil mills dotted along the route to Cavaillon, France’s melon capital!

The Cycle Route

This stage takes you to the heart of some of the Luberon’s perched villages, going via quiet little parish or county roads little used by motorized traffic. To reach each village, you’ll need to tackle short but steep slopes requiring some physical effort. If you haven’t opted for an electric bike and you get out of breath, do dismount and walk with your bike along the final stretches to these villages. 

Links :  EuroVelo 8 - La Méditerranée à vélo ; Via Venaissia ; Les Ocres à vélo ; Gordes à vélo

Don't miss

• Apt : Cathédrale Saint Anne; the historic town centre (vieille ville); Cave de Sylla (winery); Maison du Parc/Musée de  géologie (on local nature and geology)
• Bonnieux : Pont Julien bridge; Cave de Bonnieux (winery)
• Ménerbes : Domaine de la Citadelle/Musée du Tire-bouchon (with corkscrew museum!); Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon (on wine and truffles)  
• Oppède : Domaine Meillan-Pagès; Domaine de la Royère/Musée de l'Huile d'Olive (on olive oil)
• Coustellet : Musée de la lavande